10 August 2017

Top DJ gig by Féile an Phobail and Belfast City Council attracts thousands of youngsters

» Special Correspondent

‘It was great to see so many of our young people enjoying themselves at a safe, controlled and professionally-managed event’ – Kevin Gamble of Féile

Photos by Bernie McAllister

AN INITIATIVE by Féile an Phobail – supported
by Belfast City Council – to reduce tension and attendance at unwanted bonfires
in the West of the city has been hailed as “a great success” by organisers.

Kevin
Gamble, Director of Féile an Phobail, said that on Tuesday 8 August, the eve of
the anniversary of internment in 1971, Féile an Phobail attracted thousands of young
people from across the city to the Falls Park for a music concert headlined by
one of the top DJs in the world.

“It was
great to see so many of our young people enjoying themselves at a safe,
controlled and professionally-managed event,” Kevin Gamble said.

“One of
the main aims of this event was to reduce the tension and the attendance at
‘unwanted’ bonfires that have become a hotspot of anti-social activity over the
last couple of years.”

This initiative
has proven to be a great success. The event has saved the city many
thousands of pounds in clean-up operations, which have followed bonfires
in recent years and enhanced the city’s reputation.

Kevin
Gamble said:

“The
leadership and positivity shown by Féile and community organisations across the
city has resulted in communities enjoying themselves throughout this year’s
Féile.

“We
have clearly demonstrated that statutory agencies, local community
organisations and political representatives working together can deliver
positive, safe, memorable and enjoyable events for all.

“We are
looking forward to more Féile events across the city, with three more headline
concerts in the Falls Park, a packed programme of debates and discussions and
community events.”